The EPA has given approval for the
hydrocarbon refrigerant known as
HCR188C1 to be sold in the U.S. It is designed to replace
environmentally harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The coolant consists of a patented blend
of ethane, propane, butane and other pure hydrocarbons, which displays a Zero
Global Warming Potential (GWP), as well as a Zero Ozone-Depletion rating.
The American
Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has
proclaimed HCR188C1 to be non-toxic; in addition, the coolant is now a listed
refrigerant with ETL (Intertek).
ASHRAE will seek
a public comment process with results expected by October for a final SNAP
ruling to list the coolant as an approved alternative refrigerant for use in
household refrigerators and stand-alone freezers. (SNAP refers to the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy initiative,
a part of the Clean Air Act.) Intertek Testing Services NA has tested
HCR188C1 and shown it to display properties that excel R134A, a commonly used
HFC.
For example,
in refrigerators running with HCR188C1, energy tests have shown a 48% decrease
in power consumption when compared to the same units operating with R134A, all
while using just 25% of a normal charge of R134A (by volume) or just 40% of a
normal charge of R22. The coolant operates effectively in equipment containing
mineral oil and can be used as a direct replacement in appliances and
air-conditioning systems designed for R134A and R22. Though flammable, the very
small amount of this climate-friendly refrigerant required in such systems presents
an exceedingly small risk.
Steven
Mella, CEO of
ComStar International and
Richard Maruya of
A.S. Trust & Holding, who
developed the coolant’s formulation, have come to an agreement to manufacture,
market and distribute HCR188C1 from ComStar’s Houston facility.
Plans are also
underway for a line of 18- to 21-cubic-ft. refrigerators assembled in the U.S. that
operate solely with HCR188C1 as the coolant.
Source: ComStar
International
